24th June 2022

NASA plans nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are collaborating to advance space-based nuclear technologies.

Nuclear fission power system on the Moon. Credit: NASA

The agencies have selected three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design that could be ready to launch by the end of the decade for a demonstration on the Moon. This technology would benefit future exploration under the Artemis umbrella.

The contracts, to be awarded through the DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory, are each valued at $5 million. They would fund the initial designs for a 40-kilowatt fission power system, intended to last at least 10 years in the lunar environment.

Relatively small and lightweight compared to other power stations, fission systems are reliable and could enable continuous power – regardless of location, available sunlight, and other natural environmental conditions. A demonstration of such systems on the lunar surface would pave the way for long-duration missions on the Moon and Mars.

Nuclear fission power system on Mars. Credit: NASA

“New technology drives our exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond,” said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. “Developing these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for powering our long-term human presence on other worlds.”

Idaho National Laboratory will award 12-month contracts to Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a joint venture of Intuitive Machines and X-Energy) to each develop the preliminary designs.

“The Fission Surface Power project is a very achievable first step toward the United States establishing nuclear power on the Moon,” said Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner. “I look forward to seeing what each of these teams will accomplish.”

The Phase 1 awards will provide NASA with critical information from industry that could lead to a joint development of a full flight-certified fission power system. Fission surface power technologies will also help NASA mature propulsion systems that rely on nuclear reactors to generate power. These systems could be used for deep space exploration missions.

Nuclear propulsion system that could one day take astronauts to Mars. Credit: NASA

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